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﻿﻿The 2013 Fall/Winter Birding Calendar

Compiled by Nicole Goodman and Shelly Plante

In addition to the events listed below, state parks hold frequent birding activities. A regularly updated calendar of all events offered at Texas Parks and Wildlife facilities can be found online (www.tpwd.state.tx.us/calendar/). To find birding-specific events, there is a category of the calendar for “Birds, Bats & More” where you will find a listing of all of the wonderful bird walks, owl prowls, bird identification classes, and more offered at state parks around the state, including the state park World Birding Centers. Additional events at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and Sea Center Texas can be found by selecting “Site Calendars” from the list of options on the main calendar page.

Every Wednesday
Birding on the Boardwalk – Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, Port Aransas. This birding facility attracts birds and birders alike. The boardwalk stretches nearly a mile over the shallow, brackish water and allows for close observation of many birds. 9 a.m. Free. (361) 749-4158; www.cityofportaransas.org/Leonabelle_Turnbull_Birding_Center.cfm.

Third Friday
Friday Night with a Naturalist – Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center, Edinburg. Join some of the best naturalists in the Rio Grande Valley for insightful looks at the world around us. Topics vary with each guest speaker and include birds, butterflies, photography, plants and more! 6-7 p.m. Free. (956) 381-9922; www.edinburgwbc.org.

Second Saturday
Beginners Birdwalk – San Antonio. Birdwalk for beginners and newcomers to the area. Meet at Judson Nature Trails next to Alamo Heights Swimming Pool. Binoculars supplied. August 10 at 7:30 a.m, all other months at 8 a.m. Free. (210) 308-6788; www.saaudubon.org.

Third Saturday
Bird Banding – Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Lake Jackson. Volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The banding station is an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn all the birds of our community. Free. (979) 480-0999;www.gcbo.org.

Any Day by Appointment
Custom Birdwatching Tour – Fennessey Ranch, Refugio. Pack a picnic and go where the birds go with a personal, experienced guide. Call to schedule trip and time. $110 per person, two-person minimum. (361) 529-6600; www.fennesseyranch.com.

January-March
Winter Bird Walks – Santa Ana NWR, near Alamo. Bird walks start at 8:30 a.m. on designated days. Call or check the website for more information on the days of week the walks will be available. (956) 784-7500; www.fws.gov/refuge/santa_ana/.

January through March
Laguna Atascosa Bird Tours – Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Los Fresnos. Discover the South Texas specialties at this birders’ paradise. Experienced birders will take you in a van to refuge birding hot spots where private vehicles are not allowed. Call to make a reservation. Refuge entry fee $3 per vehicle. (956) 748-3607, ext. 111; www.friendsofsouthtexasrefuges.org.

September 7
National Hummingbird Day – Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen. Learn about the amazing world of hummingbirds and how to attract them to your yard. 9 a.m-noon. $2 adults, $1 seniors and children. (956) 681-3370; www.quintamazatlan.com/.

Swift Fest – Jonestown. Watch the swifts’ evening return to their cistern home. Nature-themed vendors, games for children, live music and prizes for those who correctly guess the number of returning swifts. 3-10 p.m. Free. (512) 339-9432.

September 14
Kleb Woods Hummingbird Festival – Kleb Woods Nature Preserve, Tomball. Celebrate the fall migration of ruby-throated hummingbirds. Beginning and experienced birdwatchers of all ages can see hummingbirds up close as they are banded, attend lectures on hummingbird behavior and identification, and participate in children’s activities. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (281) 357-5324; www.pct3.hctx.net/parks/klebwoodsnaturepres.aspx.

Birding by Bike - Trinity River Audubon Center, Dallas. Bring your bike and travel along the new Great Trinity Forest Trail, approximately 10 miles round trip. Traverse over the river and through the woods and stop alongside some great waterfowl ponds, too. RSVP: trac@audubon.org. 9-11 a.m. Free for members; $15 for nonmembers. (214) 309-5801; http://trinityriver.audubon.org.

September 14 and 21
Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza – Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Lake Jackson. Autumn is hummingbird season in Texas, as thousands of these tiny creatures move through the state on their southward migration to Mexico and Central America. See hummingbirds being banded, adopt a hummingbird, browse the Nature Store, walk the nature trails, or buy a plant to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. 8 a.m.-noon. $3 per adult; kids free. (979) 480-0999; www.gcbo.org.

September 27-29
Smith Point Hawk Watch Raptor ID Workshop – Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area, Smith Point and Winnie. Sponsored and coordinated by GCBO. Two evening lectures at the hotel in Winnie and three field sessions at the tower with hawk watcher and photographer Tony Leukering. 6 p.m. Friday-noon Sunday. $175. (979) 480-0999; www.gcbo.org.

October 5
Kids Birding - Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, San Antonio. Program for kids to learn about birds, using binoculars and bird habitat and behavior. 9-11:30 a.m. Free, but space is limited so reservation is required. (210) 628-1639; www.mitchelllakeaudubon.org.

October 12
The Big Sit – Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen. Participate in this international annual event where you let the birds come to you! Join thousands of other birders worldwide for this “tailgate party for birders.” 5 a.m.-5 p.m. $2 adults, $1 seniors and children. (956) 681-3370; www.quintamazatlan.com/.

Super Saturday at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge – Sherman. Kick off National Wildlife Refuge Week with a full day of nature activities at Hagerman NWR, including birding walks and talks, tours, crafts and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (903) 786-2826; www.friendsofhagerman.com.

Waco Fall Birding Festival – Waco. Birding specialists and nature enthusiasts will be on hand to share information on outdoor activities pertaining to the native flora and fauna of the Central Texas area. Children’s activities and birding hikes will also be available. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Free. (254) 848-9654.

October 26
Beginner’s Birding Workshop – Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen. Get introduced to the great world of birding: learn how to identify birds, become a better birder, and become familiar with some the Rio Grande Valley’s birds. Build a mesquite feeder to attract birds to your own yard! 9 a.m.-noon. $5. (956) 681-3370; www.quintamazatlan.com/.

November 2 and 9
Birds on the Water – Trinity River Audubon Center & Dallas Arboretum, Dallas. Join us for a two-part birding series. The first two-hour class will cover birding and canoeing basics at the Dallas Arboretum. The second two-hour class is spent birding by boats at the Trinity River Audubon Center. 9-11 a.m. $81 for TRAC or Arboretum members; $90 for nonmembers. (214) 309-5801; www.dallasarboretum.org/adulteducation.

November 14
Birds of Prey with Jonathan Wood – Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen. Learn about the some of the most fascinating birds on the planet with Jonathan Wood, master falconer and wildlife rehabilitator, who brings unique insights, observations and humor to his exciting, nationally acclaimed shows. 6-7 p.m. $2 for adults, $1 seniors. (956) 681-3370; www.quintamazatlan.com.

November 16
Beginning Adult Birding - Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, San Antonio. A class to learn basic skills including general bird identification, binocular and field guide use. Half the class will be in the classroom, the other half in the field. $10 for MLAC members; $15 for non-MLAC members. (210) 628-1639; www.mitchelllakeaudubon.org.

Audubon Birding Basics: Birding 101 - Trinity River Audubon Center, Dallas. With very little equipment, birding provides a relaxing, educational hobby along with a low-impact form of exercise that all ages can enjoy. RSVP: trac@audubon.org. 9-11 a.m. Free for members; $15 for nonmembers. (214) 309-5801; http://trinityriver.audubon.org.

Nasher’s Flock Together Family Day - Trinity River Audubon Center, Dallas. Art & nature unite as Nasher Sculpture Center promotes a public art piece titled “Flock in Space” located on Trinity River Audubon property October 2013-February 2014. Flock Together Family Day is a free event that features guided art tours and birding hikes that inspire both environmental stewardship and artistic expression. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission; $5 parking. (214) 309-5801; http://trinityriver.audubon.org.

December 6
Annual Open House and Holiday Sale – Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Lake Jackson. Come and see what great items we have on sale for the holidays! From bird books to hummingbird feeders we are sure to have what you're looking for! There is a 10 percent discount for all members of GCBO. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (979) 480-0999; www.gcbo.org.

Nature/Recycled Art Class – Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, Cedar Hill. From bird nests to flowers, take a lesson from the outdoors as art, nature and recycling join forces in this amazing class at DCAC. Learn different techniques to create recycled art as well as how to utilize nature for great art pieces. 9-11am. Free for members; $10 for nonmembers. (469) 526-1980; http://dogwoodcanyon.audubon.org.

December
Christmas Bird Count – Matagorda County Birding & Nature Center, Bay City. Counting as many birds as possible in a 10-mile radius, in various locations in the area. Midnight-6 a.m. (979) 245-3336; www.mcbnc.org.

December 14-January 5
Christmas Bird Count - Trinity River Audubon Center, Dallas. You along with thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas can take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations to help collect critical data on bird population trends. RSVP to trac@audubon.org to be assigned to a regional team for a specific day/time. Free. (214) 309-5801; http://trinityriver.audubon.org.

December 14 and 18, January 11 and 25
Winter Adult Birding Series – Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center – Edinburg. Some of the best birding in South Texas happens in the winter when both migrants and winter residents are present. Take part in this exciting time with a series of workshops focusing on wintering and migratory birds. 10 a.m.- noon. $2 for members; $4 for nonmembers. (956) 381-9922; www.edinburgwbc.org.

January 1
Christmas Bird Count - Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, Cedar Hill. You along with thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas can take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations to help collect critical data on bird population trends. Free; must RSVP by calling 469-526-1980. http://dogwoodcanyon.audubon.org.

January 11
Winter Birding 101 - Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, Cedar Hill. Want to learn how to identify winter birds of North Texas? Join us to learn the basic skills of bird identification and how to distinguish the winter birds of our area. 8:30-10:30 a.m. Free for members; $15 for nonmembers. (469) 526-1980; http://dogwoodcanyon.audubon.org.

e-Bird Workshop – Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen. Learn about and how to use the revolutionary online checklist program that birders use worldwide. 9-11a.m. $5. (956) 681-3370; www.quintamazatlan.com.

February 1
Drilling and Drumming: Woodpeckers 101 - Trinity River Audubon Center, Dallas. Spend the morning learning fascinating facts about this charismatic family from their unique birth to their specialized feeding habits. Then, head out on our property for an up-close look at the world of woodpeckers. RSVP: trac@audubon.org. 9-11 a.m. Free for members; $15 for nonmembers. (214) 309-5801; http://trinityriver.audubon.org.

Great Backyard Bird Count – Trinity River Audubon Center, Dallas. Join TRAC staff for fun-filled day of conservation action. Anyone can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, from beginning birdwatchers to experts. RSVP: trac@audubon.org. Free. (214) 309-5801; http://trinityriver.audubon.org.

February 14-17
Roma Bluffs World Birding Center Great Backyard Bird Count- Roma. Come out and help us count the bird species in the courtyard and overlook. (956) 849-4930.

Santa Ana NWR Great Backyard Bird Count – near Alamo. Help us count birds on the refuge. Please contact us at the visitor center if you would like to help us come out and count birds. (956) 784-7500; www.fws.gov/refuge/santa_ana/.

March-May 5
High Island Spring Migration – High Island. Volunteers and staff of Houston Audubon open the Boy Scout Woods kiosk and maintain interpreters at the Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary Rookery during the peak of spring migration. Free bird walks are offered twice a day Wednesday through Sunday. $7 day pass or $25 season pass. (713) 932-1639; www.houstonaudubon.org.

March 9
Landscaping for Birds Class – Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, Cedar Hill. With the planting season just around the corner, learn how to create a bird friendly landscape using native plants. 9–11 a.m. Free for members; $10 for nonmembers. (469) 526-1980; http://dogwoodcanyon.audubon.org.

March 15
Beginner’s Birding Workshop – Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen. Get introduced to the great world of birding: learn how to identify birds, become a better birder, and become familiar with some the Rio Grande Valley’s birds. Build a mesquite feeder to attract birds to your own yard! 9 a.m.-noon. $5. (956) 681-3370; www.quintamazatlan.com.

March 24
Birdies for the Birds - Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Lake Jackson. Join us for golf and birding! How many species of birds can you see or hear while playing the 18-hole Wilderness course? noon. $125 per person. (979) 480-0999; www.gcbo.org.

April, Every Saturday and Sunday (except Easter Sunday)
Blucher Birdwalks – Corpus Christi. Participants will bird Blucher Park and the expansive lawns behind the two Blucher homes across the street from Blucher Park. Guides will accompany participants through the park and assist in bird identification as needed. Free. (361) 443-0744; www.ccbirding.org.

April 5
Celebrate Birds Festival – Trinity River Audubon Center, Dallas. A free egg-stravaganza for the whole family awaits bird enthusiasts and nature lovers at the Trinity River Audubon Center. As the country looks towards Earth Day, Celebrate Birds Fest will showcase the power and diversity of birds. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission; $5 parking. (214) 309-5801; http://trinityriver.audubon.org.

April 5 and 6
Flowering Dogwood Hikes – Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, Cedar Hill. Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center is named after the flowering dogwood tree. Join us on our guided hikes to this isolated special grove of Dogwoods while learning about the birds that call this canyon home. 9:30 a.m.-noon. Free for members; $10 for nonmembers. (469) 526-1980; http://dogwoodcanyon.audubon.org.

April 12 and 26
Spring Migration Tours - Fennessey Ranch, Refugio. Enjoy a south Texas spring and tally over 100 species while birding for a full day on a private coastal ranch. 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. $84 per person. (361) 529-6600; www.fennesseyranch.com.

April 15-May 15
Great Texas Birding Classic – state of Texas. This friendly but serious birding for conservation tournament is held each year to coincide with the spectacular spring migration. The event now offers regional tournaments throughout the state as well as some statewide categories so teams from beginners to experts can participate anywhere in the state! Registration deadline is April 1; fees vary (fees go toward conservation grants for birds and birding). www.birdingclassic.org.

April 25-27
Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival – Fredericksburg. A nature festival to celebrate Hill Country nature with emphasis on birds, bats, butterflies, dragonflies and other area wildlife. The family fun event features wildlife talks, field trips, children’s events, live raptor demonstration and vendors. Fee for programs; children’s event free. www.wingstx.org.

April 26-29
Balcones Songbird Festival – Lago Vista. The program includes birding and nature tours, family activities and exhibits. This is your best chance to see the two endangered species the refuge was created to protect — the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo. Cost varies. (512) 965-2473; http://BalconesSongbirdFestival.org.